Mitchell Starc, Sunil Narine and Virat Kohli Shine in IPL 2024
2024-07-18
In the IPL 2024 Final, Mitchell Starc emerged as the standout performer, earning the Player of the
Match accolade for his pivotal role in Kolkata Knight Riders' victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad at
Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium. Starc's impact was profound as he contributed significantly to
restricting Hyderabad to a modest 113 in their innings. His bowling figures of 2 wickets for 14 runs
off three overs underscored his effectiveness in crucial stages of the match.
The Australian speedster, acquired for a staggering ₹24.75 crore in the previous year's auction,
justified his price tag with a match-winning performance. His early dismissals of Abhishek Sharma
and Rahul Tripathi set the tone for Kolkata's dominance. Notably, Starc became the first player in
IPL history to claim two Player of the Match awards in Playoff matches, highlighting his ability to
deliver under pressure. Across the season, Starc accumulated 17 wickets in 14 matches, further
cementing his status as a key asset for Kolkata Knight Riders.
Following the final, another notable achiever was Sunil Narine, who clinched the Most Valuable
Player of the Season award. Narine's contributions were multifaceted, excelling with both bat and
ball throughout Kolkata's successful campaign. With 17 wickets at an economy rate of 9.27 and an
average of 31.44, Narine's bowling prowess was complemented by his explosive batting at the top of
the order. His 488 runs in 15 matches at a staggering strike rate of 180.74 underscored his
match-winning abilities, making him a pivotal figure in Kolkata's title-winning journey.
In the batting department, Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bengaluru emerged as the recipient of
the prestigious Orange Cap for IPL 2024. Kohli's exceptional form throughout the season saw him
accumulate 741 runs in just 15 innings at an impressive average of 61.75. His batting prowess was
evident with one century and five fifties, showcasing his ability to consistently score runs at a
strike rate exceeding 154. This marked Kohli's second Orange Cap victory, having previously topped
the run charts in the 2016 season with a staggering 973 runs.
The IPL 2024 Final itself was a showcase of individual brilliance and team excellence, with Kolkata
Knight Riders prevailing as deserving champions under the leadership and strategic acumen of their
captain and management. The team's ability to blend experience with emerging talent proved crucial
in navigating the challenges posed by a competitive season. Mitchell Starc's standout performance in
the final exemplified Kolkata's depth and resilience, while Sunil Narine's dual role as a
match-winner with bat and ball underscored Kolkata's all-round strength.
Throughout the season, various players made significant impacts, contributing to the spectacle and
drama that characterize the IPL. Emerging talents and seasoned veterans alike showcased their
skills, creating memorable moments and thrilling contests. The IPL 2024 season will be remembered
for its display of cricketing prowess, strategic brilliance, and the emergence of new stars who
promise to shape the future of the sport.
The IPL 2024 season culminated in a fitting finale where Kolkata Knight Riders emerged victorious,
guided by stellar performances from Mitchell Starc and Sunil Narine. Their achievements not only
underscored individual brilliance but also highlighted the collective effort and strategic planning
that are essential for success in the world's premier T20 league.
